Ken Buck’s camp is trying to stir up a perennial debate-gate controversy, accusing Sen. Michael Bennet of dodging future debate dates because he “lost” the first two. Buck spokesman Owen Loftus sent out a press release saying that while two debates are already in the can, and four more are scheduled, it’s not enough.

“Buck thinks that the formal debates are the most important part of the campaign for voters,” the release says. “The Buck campaign has pushed hard for a large number of debates.”

Rumor has it that a couple of Denver TV stations have been seeking debates of their own, and Bennet’s camp has been a reluctant scheduling partner. The Denver Post/9News/University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs debate is already on the books for Oct. 11.

Give us a break, has been the gist of the response from the Bennet campaign. Both CBS News4 and the Bennet campaign say they are still in talks for another debate date on that channel. Other TV debates are still possible. That would bring the total booked to seven. (Loftus and Buck campaign manager John Swartout say there were 15 Senate debates in 2008 and another 11 in 2004.)

Bennet spokesman Trevor Kincaid said the senator has been much more visible lately by continuing town halls, holding conference calls from Washington, and hosting other public events. “Michael isn’t the one hiding here,” Kincaid said.

We’re trying to remember what was in the water in 2008 that would have resulted in 15 Senate debates. Was there no fantasy football at the time? No homework to do with the kids? No aspen turning color? Just asking here . . .